8.03.2010

Hello everyone. I'm officially crossing my first "30 before 30" item off my checklist by transferring my Blogger blog to WordPress. Please refresh your Google Reader and bookmarks by heading on over to my new blog home at youwannatalkjive.com.

As always, thanks for reading. I'll be posting more frequently now that I have the power of WordPress on my side.

7.29.2010

I like lists. I make lists of things I've already accomplished that day, just to feel the satisfaction of crossing it off. If you were to dump my purse out, Breakfast Club-style, you would discover slips of crumpled paper with crossed out scribbles. I also like deadlines, which is why I jumped on the Bucket List bandwagon and created a 30 before 30 list (see right). I have four years left to accomplish this realistic, yet challenging list (unless the Apocalypse goes and messes up my plans), so I expect you guys to hold me to it! Are any of you making lists of your own (101 in 1001 days, etc.), and what challenges have you faced thus far? Thanks to Susan and Brooke for the inspiration!

7.13.2010

It's been a while since I've posted because this year has been nonstop change. I have a ton of hope for the future and even more change coming. This week brings moving into a new place, where I can't wait to capture stray bats and create memories with my favorite person (and Betty White).

5.07.2010

I apologize for the chirping crickets around here as of late—I've been busy creating new critters for my show! "Say Hello to my Little Friends" is now on exhibit at the Philadelphia International Airport and will be on display from May through November 2010. Check out some of my newest friends below:

Love at First Shock

When a jellyfish gets stung by a fellow jelly, the only cure is kisses. Beep, meep, moop!Zebra finches are boisterous singers and rock at karaoke. Pikachuuuuu!I want a pet jerboa now, plzthnxbai.Under the SeaSebastian the crab knows how to jam and cut a mean rug.The Rainbow ConnectionThe lovers, the dreamers and memerp.

The unveiling of the show took place today in Terminal B at the Philadelphia International Airport. The show is still not completely installed (the sign on the left will have a poster with information about the show) and these aren't the professional photos yet (the color is a wee bit off-the floor is a bright green), but I figured it couldn't hurt to give you all a sneak peek! The show is on display for ticketed members only, so if you find yourself flying in or out of Philadelphia, be sure to keep an eye out for it.

Thanks to CityPaper for the coverage of my show! This was a wonderful opportunity to have my work on display in front of swarms of people and I can't thank the folks at the airport enough. I am already in the midst of beginning my new series, which will be a year-long process. More details within the month, pinky swear!

3.30.2010

From Canada to California, my friends have been showing me love by sending me photos of themselves with my journals at nationwide Urban Outfitters. I am so lucky to have support from you all, so thank you for being your fantabulous selves.

I am excited to announce that this won't be the last of my work hitting stores at Urban Outfitters. Wall art with my chipmunk illustration printed on wood will soon be offered, hopefully by the summertime, so I'll be sure to keep you in the loop about when to look out for those too!

The Paws for Charity 2010 Art Book Project, featuring a dog photo from yours truly, will be available to order beginning April 1st. April is Cancer Awareness Month, so be sure to show your support for breast cancer awareness by ordering your copy soon.

3.12.2010

I'm excited to announce that one of my pet photographs will be featured in The 2010 Paws For Charity Art Book. The project received over 300 submissions, with 65 artists from around the world selected for the final book. Along with photographs and artwork of dogs and cats, the book contains photos of the artist, information about them and a statement in their own words. All proceeds from the sale of the 2010 Paws for Charity Art Book will be donated to the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade. Sara Harley, who runs Paws for Charity, is an amazing woman who lost her mother, sister and brother to cancer and now works toward raising funds for charities by celebrating our pets. The book should be available to order by April 1st, so be sure to stay updated by visiting the blog at Paws for Charity.

30 Before 30

1. Go overseas with Pete (preferably Italy), which means getting a passport as well!2. Watch all of the movies on the Criterion Collection, even the bad ones (there are over 500)3. Start house hunting with Pete.4. Try a new recipe at least once a month for a year (1/12).5. Take swing dancing lessons.6. Set up a 401k and invest for the future.7. Do more volunteer work with the local SPCA.8. Have a gallery show and installation at an established gallery.9. Get my illustration work in more retail shops.10. Have an illustration published in one of my favorite magazines.10. Work on at least 50 weddings as a photographer.11. Have a professional collection of quality lenses and equipment.12. Learn Italian.13. Have a successful blog collaboration with Pete that we update daily.14. Transfer this blog to a WordPress format.15. Buy or restore a vintage bike and start riding together.16. Travel to another country to see Temporary Distortion (my brother's theater company) on tour.17. Attend the Art Star Craft Bazaar as a participating vendor.18. Go on a proper American road trip.19. Travel to Brazil with Pete.20. Sell 100 items in my Etsy shop.21. Make a mason jar chandelier.22. Update my personal and photography blog at least once a week.23. Get my cholesterol level down to a healthy number.24. Get my first real Christmas tree with Pete and decorate it together.25. Learn how to navigate around Philly without needing a GPS (I have no sense of direction, it's pathetic).26. Do a handstand in the pool (this would involve going underwater for more than 2 seconds without flailing).27. See a theater show in Philadelphia.28. Restore more antique furniture from flea market finds.29. Go an entire month without making one self-conscious comment or apologizing for no reason.30. Inspire someone else to write a 30 before 30 list.